Young talent Chelcee Grimes will take part in the festivities, which will build up to the city’s lights switch-on and a special performance by Rebecca Ferguson.

The event will include a mass sing-along to festive favourite Santa Claus Is Coming To Town on the Paradise Place stage at 6pm. (Pick up today's Echo for sing-along sheet.)

Star-in-the-making Zara, who was spotted while busking in Liverpool One, will also perform.

Two singers and two dance acts from Jennifer Ellison’s Fame Academy will entertain the crowd with performances and the Cinderella Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Band will also take to the stage.

Radio City will get the party started from 3pm with choirs and performances from Liverpool Lighthouse Project.

Donna Howitt, marketing director at Liverpool One, said: “The city is bursting with talent and our Christmas launch event is a great place to showcase some of the best up-and-coming acts.

“Rebecca Ferguson was an obvious choice to headline on the night because she represents true talent and style in the city.

“We have even incorporated a festive sing-along so the whole community can join together and sing their way into Christmas with Rebecca.”

Rebecca, who is originally from Anfield and now lives in Surrey with her children Lillie May, seven, and Karl, five, told the ECHO: “It is so lovely to be back in Liverpool to headline the Christmas celebrations at Liverpool One.”

The 25-year-old, who was The X Factor runner-up last year, added: “I am a home girl and I come home every weekend I can. Everyone is really lovely whenever I come back to Liverpool and there is such a brilliant atmosphere in the city at Christmas. I am looking forward to more big performances.”

Christmas In The Park opens at 11am today on Chavasse Park, with lots of festive fun for everyone.

Families can get their skates on at Liverpool One’s real ice rink, meet Father Christmas in his grotto or relax with a post-shopping drink at the Polar Bar.

The winner of the ECHO’s meet-and-greet with Rebecca Ferguson was Abbie Kenworthy of Fazakerley.